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Tag: ENDSARS

  • Aisha Yesufu Warns of Looming Protest, Anticipates Potential Outcry Surpassing EndSARS Movement

    Aisha Yesufu Warns of Looming Protest, Anticipates Potential Outcry Surpassing EndSARS Movement

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Renowned socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has voiced concern over the frustration caused by corrupt politicians in Nigeria, predicting that it could trigger another nationwide protest. Yesufu highlighted the mounting discontent among Nigerians, suggesting that the anger simmering within the populace might fuel a protest even more intense than the 2020 ‘EndSARS’ movement.

    In 2020, citizens across Nigeria rallied to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious police unit known for its brutal treatment of young people. The movement, initiated on Twitter (now X), escalated into widespread demonstrations in major cities, accompanied by incidents of violence. The protest culminated in tragic events, including the loss of lives, particularly when military forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

    Yesufu, co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls campaign and a prominent figure in the EndSARS protests, cautioned that another demonstration might take the nation by surprise. Via her X account, she expressed, “Nobody saw the #EndSARS protest coming. Nobody will see the next uprising coming. Sadly, it might end up being violent. There is simmering anger fueled by the impunity and brazenness of the corrupt politicians and rulers, who have rigged their way into power. Nobody will be spared.”

  • “Influence of #EndSARS Movement on Digital Activism in Nigeria”

    “Influence of #EndSARS Movement on Digital Activism in Nigeria”

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    Following the #EndSARS movement, Nigeria witnessed a surge in digital activism as online protests galvanized the country’s youth. The movement, fueled by years of frustration with the notorious police unit, SARS, illuminated a new era of digital advocacy.

    Nigerian youths utilized social media, especially Twitter (now X), to mobilize nationwide protests, ultimately forcing the government to respond to their demands. This online movement demonstrated that young Nigerians could effectively organize and create a sense of community through digital channels.

    Digital journalism and preexisting digital activism also played a significant role in the movement’s success, shaping public opinion and inspiring collective action.

    While the #EndSARS movement sought to end police brutality and disband SARS, its central motivation was a desire for a better future for the country’s youth.

    Social media, particularly Twitter, was essential in amplifying #EndSARS narratives and capturing the protests’ moments. Twitter’s support for the campaign highlighted its quest for relevance among the politically engaged youth.

    Government responses to the movement ranged from forceful crackdowns to attempts at dialogue. In the end, the movement’s success revealed the power of digital organization and the importance of engaging with the concerns and demands of young Nigerians on social media.

    The #EndSARS movement, despite not achieving all its goals, made a lasting impact by empowering a new generation of citizens unafraid to demand change and hold the government accountable.

  • Even goats have owners who would Look for them, says Lai on #EndSARS Victims

    Even goats have owners who would Look for them, says Lai on #EndSARS Victims

    Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has demanded the identities of family members of victims named in the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses and Other Matters’ leaked report.

    Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister faulted the “cowardly leak of the judicial panel’s report”, claiming it was poorly put together, and unable to prove beyond doubt that there was a massacre at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020.

    He said the panel presented three names without surnames, failed to recommend compensation for “innocent business owners” who suffered losses, as well as officers in the police and army who also lost their lives during the protests.

    Slamming CNN, Mohammed said it failed to do “due diligence” in its report as it published the details of the leaked report without verifying or questioning it.

    In a bid to reiterate his stance on what he describes as a “phantom massacre”, Mohammed said: “Even goats have owners who would look for them if they do not return home, not to talk of human beings. Where are the family members of those reportedly killed at Lekki Toll Gate?”

    He demanded the identities of the family members of the victims, and identity of those killed, despite the names already published in some media platforms

  • Reps Minority Caucus Reviews Lagos EndSARS Report, Says FG Has Questions to Answer

    Reps Minority Caucus Reviews Lagos EndSARS Report, Says FG Has Questions to Answer

    The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has said it has reviewed the Lagos EndSARS report and observed that the Federal Government has questions to answer.

    The lawmakers in a statement signed by Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu on Thursday said the report has confirmed that there was indeed a massacre at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, despite the earlier denial of killings.

    “The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, after a thorough review of the report of the Lagos State EndSARS judicial panel, holds that the attempt by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cover up the now confirmed massacre of Nigerians youths by security forces at the Lekki Tollgate suggests a high-level state-backed conspiracy against Nigerians.

    “The confirmation by the Lagos Panel that there was indeed a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate during the 2020 EndSARS protests in Lagos and that APC government-controlled security forces carted away bodies and mopped up evidence, places a huge burden on the Federal Government which had vehemently denied any killings,” the statement read in part.

    The Minority caucus also flayed the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed for “rushing to the media, ahead of the judicial panel, to insist that there were no killings at Lekki Tollgate, even in the face of testimonies of witnesses at the sad event.”

    They described it as a shocking attempt to cover up details of the October 20 event demanding that justice be served.

    “Our caucus is however shocked that the administration can lie in a matter that has to do with the gruesome killing of citizens, particularly our youths, and even attempt to provide official cover to the culprits.

    “As representatives of the people, the minority caucus holds that killing of our young ones for having the audacity to demand justice, rule of law, and good governance in our nation is the height of wickedness which will continue to haunt the APC and its administration until justice is served.”

    The Minority caucus, therefore, called on the APC-led Federal Government “not to cover up the vicious act,” but based on the findings of the Lagos panel, “the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to resign immediately or be fired by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    The caucus commended the Lagos panel for “its boldness in the pursuit of truth and justice and urges other panels investigating allegations of brutality in other states not to be deterred but ensure that the truth is not suppressed.”

    They commiserated with the victims of the Lekki Tollgate attack, particularly the families of those killed, and urged Nigerians to remain calm at this crucial moment.

  • ENDSARS: US Tasks FG, Lagos Govt. to act on Panel Report

    ENDSARS: US Tasks FG, Lagos Govt. to act on Panel Report

    United States has called on both Lagos and Federal Governments to respond to the report submitted by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the ENDSARS protest.

    The judicial body investigated petitions on Police brutality as well as Army’s invasion and shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020 during End SARS protests.

    The panel chairman, Justice Doris Okuwobi (retired) submitted the report at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.

    Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the findings, recommendations and set up a four-member committee.

    The team led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), will come up with a White Paper in two weeks.

    Sanwo-Olu promised that the state government’s action would be guided by the law and in the public interest.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the US Mission in Nigeria said America awaits the response from President Muhammadu Buhari government and Lagos authorities.

    The Embassy noted that official actions are part of a process that represents an important mechanism of accountability regarding the EndSARS protests and events at the toll gate.

    “Those events led to serious allegations against some members of the security forces”, the statement reads.

    “We look forward to the Lagos State and federal governments taking suitable measures to address those alleged abuses as well as the grievances of the victims and their families.”

  • EndSARS: A’Ibom DPO alleges threat to life from cultists

    EndSARS: A’Ibom DPO alleges threat to life from cultists

    The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Itu in Akwa Ibom, CSP Joseph Udourioh has said that he has been receiving threats from cultists after spending N2.8 million to treat a robbery suspect he maimed.

    Speaking at the judicial panel of enquiry investigating Police brutality in the state, Udourioh stated on Tuesday in Uyo that he maimed one Mr. Victor Otu, a suspected armed robber when he was a DPO in Okobo local government area.

    The DPO stated that he maimed Otu with his pistol while the victim was trying to escape from Police custody, adding that he did not intent to harm the victim.

    He explained that Otu whom he trusted, turned out to be the leader of an armed robbery gang involved in stealing facilities in one of the hospitals in Okobo, and raping nurses there.

    He explained that since then, he has spent about N2.8 million on treating him, but despite the amount expanded, cultists have continued to threaten him.

    “I maimed Victor after trying to escape from my custody the day I arrested him, after realizing that he was the leader of the armed robbers.

    “I maimed him with my pistol, I didn’t plan to do this but I did it basically for the purpose of righting the wrong in our society. After maiming him, I took him to the hospital and I have spent about N2.8 million for his health. 

    “Since then I have been receiving threats from cultists and they even burnt down my office and many of my properties. During the cause of this threat, cultists have visited me several times partly at Okobo and partly at Itu.” Udourioh stated.

    Counsel to the claimant, Clifford Thomas however kicked against the injury done to his client, Victor Otu, alleging that the DPO tried to bribe him with N1. 3 million to end the case, but he returned the money to his client.

    The panel adjourned the case to another sitting day.

    Another petitioner, Mrs Esther  Eton, urged the panel to grant her justice against the killers of her son, Mr. Daniel Eton, shot dead by Police officers in 2016.

    Narrating her ordeal to the panel, Eton said, “My son, a 35 year-old man, on December 31, 2016, went to visit his friend, one Mr. Anietie Etim at No. 124 Aka road in the evening. 

    “It was later reported to me in the morning by my second Son; Mr. Charles Eton that Daniel was shot death at about 11:45pm in the night by police officers.

    “All my efforts to know the murderer of my son was all in vain. I reported to many police stations but nothing was done about it. Not until I heard about this panel so I decided to come here and tender my report”. She said.

  • ENDSARS: Court Vindicates CBN Over Frozen Accounts Allegations

    ENDSARS: Court Vindicates CBN Over Frozen Accounts Allegations

    The Center For Transparency and Social Justice (CETSJ) has said the position of the Federal High Court that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) initiated the process of freezing some suspected accounts of money laundery and terrorism activities three months prior to the ENDSARS protest has vindicated the apex bank.

    The group in a statement in Abuja on Monday, signed by Chief Terna Atule said it adopted the the position of Justice John Tsoho during the commencement of the 2020/2021 legal year in Abuja.

    According to the statement, the body of Senior Advocates and the Nigerian Bar Association had cast aspersions on the CBN as well as the court referencing the issue of frozen account as an indices during the occasion.

    “However, we are proud of the boldness of Justice John Tsoho who clarified and maintained that the CBN had instituted legal processes to freeze those accounts three months before the ENDSARS protests and wondered why the apex bank name would be dragged in what he described as a desperate measure to save the economy against the dollar.

    “We totally adopt this position, having come from the horses mouth, it is now clear that the CBN had no premonition that ENDSARS protests would occur in three months so couldn’t have targeted any individual or organization. What the CBN has always done to our knowledge is to be proactive to secure the economy against any eventuality.

    “We also want to amplify that if the affected organizations who were hitherto suspected to be involved in money laundering and terrorism would later be caught up in ENDSARS protests three months later, then it calls for concern.

    “The CBN deserves accolades for their foresight in defense of the Nigerian economy, the group noted.

    It further averred that the court is not just the last resort of the common man but of all corporate entities who believe in the rule of law.

    It is unfair and unfortunate to vilify both the judiciary and the apex bank in pursuit of political and personal endeavors , the group insisted.

  • #EndSARS: First Time FG Will Engage Youths From South East In Dialogue, Govs Tell Onyeama

    #EndSARS: First Time FG Will Engage Youths From South East In Dialogue, Govs Tell Onyeama

    Minister of Foreign Affairs in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, Geoffrey Onyeama on Wednesday, said part of the fallout of a meeting between the Federal Government and stakeholders from the South East over the #EndSARS Protest was a confession from them that it was the first time government at the centre was having a direct interface with youths from the region.

    He said the meeting was quite fruitful as stakeholders from the region are committed to putting a stop to menace of insecurity that has bedeviled the entire country.

    Recall that in the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests, the presidency dispatched cabinet members and other party members to their states of origin to have heart – to – heart conversation with their people to unravel their grievances against the government.

    The Foreign Affairs Minister, while briefing State House Correspondents on Wednesday, noted that the South East Governors are committed to creating victims support fund to compensate and help victims of violence.

    He said they are also willing to engage more systematically with the youths to address the agitations that resulted in #EndSARS Protest.

    He also revealed that governors from the region came up with a number of proposals in that context to see better funding of the police and other security agencies as a way to achieving the right goal in addressing the security offices.

    “They were also very keen to ensure and guarantee the safety of all Nigerians living within the zone and also thanked the other parts of the country for assuring the safety of those from the South East living in other parts of the country.

    “They said they will set up a mechanism for constant dialogue with the youths and all the other stakeholders in the subregion. They appreciated very much that the enabling environment also had to be created so that the root causes of some of the agitations could be addressed and of course some of this enabling environment will be getting the economy back on track and they were supportive of the initiative of Mr. President in that regard.

    ” So all in all, it was an initiative the grassroots welcomed, they said it was the first time the Federal Government was engaging with the youths, “he stated .

    Speaking further, he said two days later, another stakeholders meeting was organized by myself where all the Presidents General from the state of Enugu were invited in addition to youths and traditional leaders. The discussions looked at larger issues of the country, governance issues and steps that could be taken to as it were stabilize the polity and to build a framework for peace, stability and development.

    According to Onyeama, it is work in progress and it is all about building trust. The South East Governors did address the issue of ethnicity in this whole situation and it was in that context that they committed to assuring the security of groups that are not from the zone of their protection and also reaching out beyond their zone to their counterparts to also ensure the security of South Easterners living in other parts of the country.

    “But I think this also speaks to just the whole security apparatus supporting the security forces to be able to defend and protect Nigerians wherever they are within the country, I think that is really what it has to be about.

    “Of course they may be other things that government issues that will come up to play but I think the most immediate one really would be having security forces that are enabled and empowered to be able to protect every single Nigerian wherever they might have found themselves in the country, “he emphasized.

    Asked to comment on the threat of sanctions by the UK Parliament on government officials, he said the Federal Government has reached out to the UK government.

    ” On the issue of UK Parliament, yes we have reached out to the UK government. The meeting that took place were Parliamentarians and don’t speak for U.K. government which acts for the United Kingdom has also heard the side of the (Nigerian) government regarding everything that has happened.

    “So, we have been in touch with them and engaging with them. And of course as in any democracy, the members of parliament are able to air their view.

    “But what is important is that balanced picture is made available to them before they take any decision, “he stated .

  • #EndSARS: A’Ibom to reward youths for recovery of looted properties

    #EndSARS: A’Ibom to reward youths for recovery of looted properties

    By Some Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State State Ethical and Attitudinal Re-orientation Commission, EARCOM, said it would honour a section of the youths of Afaha Ube community, who conducted a house-to-house search for looted property during the EndSARS violence in the state.

    It was gathered that the youths had mobilised themselves and  went to each of the houses of the suspected looters, siezed and returned to Itam police station, stolen items including flat screen television sets, refrigerator, deep freezers and other electronic devices.

    Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Monday, executive chairman of EARCOM, Dr. Dorathy Thompson, lauded the patriotic spirit of Afaha Ube youths, saying it has not gone unnoticed.

    She said the youths levied themselves and raised money which they transported the items to the police station despite the opposition against them from another section of the youths.

    “In such challenging times, the youths of Afaha Ube, Itam, in Itu local government area, lived the Akwa Ibom spirit.

    “They voluntarily mobilized to search house to house to discover, recover and return to the Ilam Police Station flat-screen television sets, deep freezers, refrigerators, and many other electronic gadgets the hoodlums had stolen from an LG electronics shop near the area.They even contributed money to transport those items to the police station.

    “By this ethical conduct, the Afaha Ube Ilam youths have demonstrated that they are true Akwa Ibom youths, who are great people with great minds; and that they have really risen to the faith of greatness and have validated their true identity as model youths in Akwa Ibom State who are worthy of emulation by all other young people in the State.

    “The commission is putting together a ceremony this month to reward and honour the youths for their patriotic spirit.” She said

    She commended  the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘D’ Division Itam Police Station, CSP Francis Erhabor for effectively collaborating with the Afaha Ube Itam youths to pull off the recoveries.

    According to her CSP Erhabor who emerged recently as the Integrity Award icon of ICPC 20 years anniversary, has demonstrated a sense of commitment to high morals and dedication to duty that is really contributing to building a better Nigeria.

  • #EndSARS: Survivors of Lekki Shooting narrates their story

    #EndSARS: Survivors of Lekki Shooting narrates their story

    Solomon, Patrick and Samuel were wounded on October 20 during a crackdown by Nigerian security forces on protesters in Lagos who had gathered despite a curfew order.

    The three say they spent several days at the Lekki toll gate, the epicentre of demonstrations that erupted on October 8 over police violence and bad governance, as they themselves had been victims of police abuse in the past.

    Now discharged from hospital, the three men — whose full names are being left anonymous for safety reasons — are desperate for their stories to be heard.

    It was the Nigerian army who fired, all three said.

    The government denies any responsibility and labeled reports that soldiers killed 12 people as “fake news”. The police on Friday said 22 officers had been killed in protest-linked unrest this month.

    “How can they say it’s not true?,” asked Patrick.

    “We saw them. Two guys died instantly in my presence, and one is still in the coma — my friend Nicholas,” said the 25-year-old demonstrator, unemployed since a lockdown in March imposed to contain the coronavirus.

    Shot in the arm — he was brandishing a flag when he came under fire — Patrick was evacuated, put on a canoe that crisscrossed the Lagos lagoon and took him to a hospital.

    “The soldiers were blocking the roads, the ambulances could not access the scene. Some were using bikes, others wheelbarrows to take the injured,” he said.

    Samuel, 30, was helping to ensure safety at the protest ground with a group of volunteers when he heard the first gunshots.

    “We saw armed, military men, so we came back to the stage and started waving our flags and singing the national anthem.”

    “I was not expecting them to shoot at us,” said the young man, who works in agriculture in the outskirts of the sprawling city.

    “I was expecting them to address us in a normal manner. But they didn’t talk to anybody, they just started shooting.”

    “All of a sudden I started feeling something hit my left thigh,” he remembered. The screen of his phone might have saved him — the bullet would have otherwise penetrated even deeper.

    In pain, he managed to walk 500 metres (yards) to find someone who could take him to hospital.

    “I saw like three people dying, but I was also injured, so I couldn’t help them. I had to help myself first.”

    It was a close call for Solomon as well. A bullet pierced his shoulder, and another grazed his neck, leaving a burn scar.

    The 38-year-old construction worker is still in shock.

    “The country doesn’t realise what happened, but for me this is not the end, this is just the beginning of the protests,” he told AFP.

    “I need a better Nigeria. This wound made me even more ready to fight, I have nothing to lose anymore.”